Follow KPCC

Alice Walton

County Assessor John Noguez was arrested on 24 felony counts for allegedly accepting bribes from a tax consultant in exchange for lowering the assessed values on properties owned by the consultant's clients. jann_on/Flickr Creative Commons

Share

Good morning, readers. Welcome to the Maven's Morning Coffee -- a listing of the important headlines, news conferences, public meetings and announcements you need to know to fuel up and tackle your day.

Today is Thursday, Oct. 18, and here is what's happening in Los Angeles:

Headlines

Los Angeles County Assessor John Noguez was arrested on charges of bribery, conspiracy and perjury for allegedly accepting $185,000 in bribes in exchange for lowering the assessed values on Westside properties. Los Angeles Times, Daily News, KPCC, LA Weekly.

Which Way, L.A.? looks at Silicon Beach and follows up on the John Noguez arrest.

The director of a Los Angeles recreation center was arrested on charges of embezzlement and misappropriation of public funds for allegedly stealing $15,000, including funds that were intended for children's lunches, reports the Los Angeles Times. The case was referred to the district attorney by the controller's office.

Members of the LA Area Chamber of Commerce were at City Hall yesterday to lobby for improvements at LAX and the Port of Los Angeles, according to the Daily News.

A Los Angeles Times editorial urges a no vote on Measure B, which would require actors in pornographic films to use condoms. "Measure B is well intentioned, but it is likely to stymie county government and bring little benefit to performers," according to the newspaper.

The California Voter Foundation has put out a song to help voters navigate the November ballot, per KPCC.

Where to Find the Politicians

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa will speak at the Great California ShakeOut presser at Union Station at 9:15 a.m. At 2 p.m., he will tour the El Sereno Arroyo Playground along with Councilman Jose Huizar.

Previously in Represent!

Represent! is your eye on how well government serves citizens and the public interest in Southern California. KPCC's politics and government team posts frequently on transparency, civic engagement, reform efforts and accountability. We invite your comments and suggestions — follow us on Twitter at the links below.